Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Rating – 4.6 out of 5

In Big Little Lies set of new kindergarten children and mums (and dads!) start at Pirriwee Public School for the school year. The drama ensues as a new mum, Jane and her son, Ziggy, become a part of the community and the events in the present day intersect with past wounds.

Favorite Quote

“Gabrielle: I was new to the school. I didn’t know a soul. “Oh, we’re such a caring school,” the principal told me. Blah, blah, blah. Let me tell you, the first thing I thought when I walked into that playground on that kindergarten orientation day was cliquey. Cliquey, cliquey, cliquey. I’m not surprised someone ended up dead. Oh, all right. I’m guess that’s overstating it. I was a little surprised.”

– Big Little Lies, Pg. 30

Why I liked Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty was entertaining from start to the spectacular finish. Witty and light internal dialogs surround some very intense and emotional scenes. I found the the character of Madeline (played by Reese Witherspoon in the HBO Limited Series!) compelling as she was larger than life but also startlingly human in her interactions with her family, specifically her daughter, and those around her.

Moriarty is also true to life about the struggles that many women face in their relationships with their husbands and the men around them. Instead of shying away from topics like sex, rape and domestic abuse she makes them a part of the plot in a way that illustrates how real women handle these situations. While the conclusion of the story is over the top, the tragedy is not. Moriarty walks the fine line of sensationalism with grace to a ending that many will identify with.

Book Club Question

Do you think the death in the book was justified?

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